Why bother with Organisational Change Management (OCM) for your tech transformation?

In this blog, Kasper Froesig, Director in Organisational Change Management, writes with equal parts humor, experience and insight from countless transformations about why you should incorporate Organisational Change Management (OCM) into your project, and why you should stick to standard processes and not solution customization.

In this blog I want to highlight two factors for transformation success. First of all Organisational Change Management (OCM), a people-first approach to make your transition smoother, faster, and way less painful. Add to that a strict focus on avoiding solution customization and sticking to standard processes, and you have a powerful approach. Let’s dive into it here.

Here’s the thing: A fancy system is only as good as the people using it. And if those people are clinging to old ways like a cat refusing to leave a cardboard box, your investment won’t go far. Studies (and common sense) also show that the secret to a smooth technology adoption isn’t stuffing your system with endless customizations – it’s sticking to standard processes and making the necessary changes within your organisation. That’s where OCM comes in like a superhero in a tailored business suit.

Tech professionals will swear that they can roll out a new solution in a month – like it’s a software update and not an entire workplace of real humans. But surprise! Your employees aren’t robots (yet) and ignoring the human side of change is a one-way ticket to chaos. Transformation isn’t just about plugging in new tech; it’s about giving people time to adapt, learn, and, you know, not revolt.

A well-structured OCM approach makes transitions smoother, faster, and way less painful. Think of it as the difference between assembling IKEA furniture with and without the instructions. It involves:

Change integration: Ensuring change isn’t chaotic, like a toddler let loose in a paint store, with no regard for order, it’s a whirlwind of colors splattered everywhere.
Change leadership: Keeping things on track with good governance and a clear vision (not just “let’s see how it goes”).
Change communication: Engaging employees so they don’t feel like change is something happening to them, but with them.
Organisation design: Designing processes that actually support your strategy instead of creating bureaucratic spaghetti.
Training & enablement: Giving employees the tools they need to succeed, rather than hoping they’ll figure it out via workplace osmosis.

Now, let’s talk solution customization. It seems like a quick fix – like adding extra cheese to every meal – but it comes at a cost:

Higher initial costs and total costs of ownership – Customization can drain your budget faster than an intern discovering the company expense account, and you’ll be shackled to it for the entire system’s lifetime.
Longer implementation times – Tailoring software to your old ways can be like remodelling a house while living in it—messy and never-ending.
Maintenance nightmares – Every tweak means extra support, updates, and potential future migraines.

Sure, customization feels like a shortcut, but in the long run, sticking to standard processes—as much as possible, with a well-planned OCM strategy keeps your organisation aligned, your tech functional, and your sanity intact. Balance is key—because nobody wants to be stuck with an expensive, over-customized system that requires constant “Tender loving care” just to function. And investing in OCM now will save you from a never-ending IT soap opera later!

Let's talk transformation?

Technology changes are inevitable, but chaos doesn’t have to be. Investing in OCM ensures your organisation embraces change smoothly, efficiently, and with minimal headaches.

Curious about how NTT Data Business Solutions can support your transformation journey? Let’s chat! Reach out for a conversation. We would love to explore how we can help you turn change into an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

Get in touch today, and let’s make your transformation a success!